HEMA-QUEBEC is currently renegotiating the collective agreements with nine of its unions. Currently, eight of the nine unions are pursuing their discussions at two negotiating tables. During these meetings, moreover, HEMA-QUEBEC opted to promote a negotiating stance based on partnership with employees rather than confrontation. This option is well in keeping with HEMA-QUEBEC's mandate to draw closer to the population of Quebec and offer donors the best services possible. To date, eight of the nine unions at HEMA-QUEBEC, representing 90% of its unionized employees, are in agreement with this approach.

Canadian Blood Services and HÉMA-QUÉBEC have received reports from the American Red Cross, America's Blood Centers, and the New York Blood Center, indicating that supplies of blood from Canada are not needed at this time.

New directive will be applied to donors who have traveled in United Kingdom, France and Western Europe

Saint-Laurent, August 30, 2001

HÉMA-QUÉBEC will exclude, as of October 1, 2001, donors who have spent, since 1980, three months or more in France and six cumulative months or more in the following countries (namely Western Europe) : Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Spain, Republic of Ireland, Portugal, Denmark, Luxembourg and Liechtenstein. Deferral concerning donors how have spent one month or more in United Kingdom is maintained.

Following Dr Graham Sher's recent appointment to the position of President and Chief Executive Director Officer of the Canadian Blood Services, HÉMA-QUÉBEC's board of directors and personnel congratulate Dr Sher and wish him luck in this new step in his career.

Following the annual inspection of procedures which took place at the Montréal site from January 31 to February 9, inspectors from the Bureau of Biologics and Radiopharmaceuticals (BBR), Health Canada, maintained HÉMA-QUÉBEC's license.

Representatives from the HÉMA-QUÉBEC Research & Development department met with journalists today to present the research projects currently underway at HÉMA-QUÉBEC's Sainte-Foy laboratories. Dr. Réal Lemieux, Senior Director, Research & Development, explained that a significant research effort was being put into developing blood components in the laboratory, particularly platelets and certain plasma derivatives. The in vitro production of these components would ensure consistent availability and thus eliminate potential shortages.

Following the annual inspection of procedures which took place at the Québec City site from December 4 to 8, inspectors from the Bureau of Biologics and Radiopharmaceuticals (BBR), Health Canada maintained HÉMA-QUÉBEC's license.